Two-time Olympic champion Ryan Bayley beat an outstanding field of contenders to win the main prize at the Australian cyclist of the year awards.

The 22-year-old Perth speedster was awarded the Sir Hubert Opperman medal, known as "The Oppy", after an unprecedented year of success for the sport in this country.

Bayley and the other category winners were feted at a gala dinner in Sydney's Darling Harbour.

The strong contenders for the Oppy included fellow Athens double gold medallist Graeme Brown, road and track stars Stuart O'Grady and Brad McGee and women's sprint sensation Anna Meares.

An indication of the depth in this year's awards is that Brown and McGee won no awards - in any other year, their achievements would have guaranteed them at least a category prize.

Bayley confirmed his rich potential by winning the sprint and keirin golds at the Olympics.

"Flyin' Ryan" also won bronze in the sprint at the world championships and took out the sprint/keirin double at the Oceania titles.

In a year where the national track program was rocked by the doping and selection controversies of the French affair, Bayley's off-beat image was also a godsend to the sport.

Bayley was never involved in the many problems that beset the track squad leading up to the Games.

His love of junk food, easy-going nature and blinding speed made him an instant cult figure at the Olympics.

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